For many classic car enthusiasts, chrome is the essence of style. Whether it’s the iconic tailfin accents of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air or the unmistakable side trim on a 1973 Mercury Cougar, nothing beats the effect of chrome on grilles, bumpers, body panels, and elsewhere. A number of modern cars and trucks still use it for both interior and exterior elements, too, particularly in the luxury and pickup truck segments. But it’s not just about appearances–chrome is also resistant to rust, relatively easy to maintain, and built to last.
As more people look to preserve their vintage vehicles and keep newer cars looking fresh, chrome restoration can be a potential cash cow for auto body shops. After all, not everyone has the skills, tools, or materials to do it right, and offering chrome polishing lets you tap into this demand and set your shop apart from others in the area. Let’s take a closer look at chrome restoration and refurbishment, and explore how these services can help your shop stand out, attract more customers, and ultimately boost your bottom line.
Restoring and Refurbishing Chrome
Types of Damage
Chrome parts can get worn down over time. Take pitting, for example, which comes from exposure to road salt, acidic environments, or moisture, and shows up as small, crater-shaped blemishes on the surface. Scratches and abrasions–anything from light marks to deep indentations–can also dampen chrome’s reflective shine. Too much exposure to UV rays, rough chemicals, or neglecting regular maintenance may lead to fading and discoloration as well. And rust and corrosion, if they’re not addressed early on, can become progressively worse and eventually weaken the chrome plating.
Diagnostic Techniques
The best place to begin your diagnosis is with a good visual inspection. This helps identify any superficial damage like scratches or discoloration. From there, a touch test provides more information. Feeling for roughness or depressions will tell you how severe the pitting is, for example, or whether there are any other irregularities on the surface. Then there’s a technique called magnetic particle inspection, which can spot rust hidden under the chrome plating by using the magnetic properties of the metal underneath.
Chrome Restoration Techniques
Preparation
The right preparation makes a world of difference. Start by cleaning the surface with a degreaser or solvent to get rid of any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Once the surface is clean, take the time to mask and protect the surrounding areas so they don’t get damaged by the chemicals or abrasives used in the restoration process.
Polishing and Buffing
Polishing and buffing can be done either manually or with specialized equipment. Doing it by hand involves using different grades of sandpaper, polishing compounds, and buffing wheels to gradually smooth out imperfections and bring back the chrome’s luster. Mechanical methods, which call for rotary or orbital buffers, may be better for larger projects, or to give you a perfectly even finish.
Electroplating
To restore heavily damaged chrome, you might consider electroplating. This process uses an electric current to add a thin layer of chromium to the surface, essentially beefing up the thickness with fresh chrome. For more severe damage like deep pitting or heavy rust, electroplating is a great way to strengthen the part and bring back its shine.
Chrome Refurbishing Techniques
Chrome Dip
Chrome dipping is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to restore the sheen of worn-out chrome. It involves dunking the part in a chemical bath to add a thin layer of chrome-like material. While this method works well for minor refurbishing and produces a nice finish, it doesn’t typically last as long or have the same damage resistance as traditional plating.
Powder Coating
Another option is powder coating, where you apply a dry powdered resin to the part, then bake it, to create a durable, rust-proof surface. Although they’re not actually chrome, these coatings cure to a very shiny, reflective finish and excel at protecting parts against corrosion and other damage.
Chrome Restoration Tools & Equipment
Whether you’re cleaning chrome rims or buffing scratches out of a 1960s-era bumper, the right tools are a must. You’ll need sanders, buffers, and polishing compounds for the work itself, along with personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and safety glasses. Depending on the scale of your services, you may also want to invest in more sophisticated equipment (e.g., buffing machines and sandblasters). Granted, they aren’t cheap–good ones can set you back several hundred dollars or more–but the benefit of speeding up your processes and turning out flawless results is often worth the upfront cost; or, there’s the option of renting these machines if you only need them for the occasional project.
Shine Up Your Shop’s Services
Adding chrome restoration services can be highly profitable, provided you’re able to get the word out to customers. Show off the quality of your work by taking before-and-after photos and sharing them on your website and social media pages. Encouraging satisfied customers to post online reviews and testimonials can also help position your shop as a chrome polishing expert. Also, start connecting with classic car clubs and enthusiasts at local events to grow your network of people who can use your services.
When setting your prices, look at what it takes to complete each job, including the cost of labor, materials, and time. This will help you establish competitive rates that still turn a profit. Check around to see what other shops in your area are charging, too, to get a big-picture sense of the market.
Communicating clearly and consistently with customers throughout the process will make sure everyone’s on the same page, while offering warranties or guarantees should give them added peace of mind about your commitment to quality work and their ultimate satisfaction.
Just like the sparkle of polished chrome trim can mesmerize your customers, the right body shop software can transform your shop’s efficiency and accelerate revenue growth. Discover the advantages of Shopmonkey’s best-in-class solution and request a demo today!
